How Safe and Effective is Benadryl for Allergy Treatment?

Reviewed By: Pramod Kerkar, MD, FFARCSI

Benadryl, which is the trade name for the medical drug diphenhydramine, has been categorized as an antihistamine of first generation. For several years Benadryl has been used in the treatment of various allergic diseases. This allergy medication is available as an OTC allergy medication. It also comes in various generic forms.

How Safe and Effective is Benadryl for Allergy Treatment?

Despite new generations of antihistamines released, Benadryl is still used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis, urticaria, itching and as a sleep aid.

Side Effects of Benadryl While Using for Allergy Treatment

Although Benadryl is a very efficient OTC allergy medication, it causes several side effects that limit its usefulness. Side effects of this over-the-counter allergy medication include:

Benadryl impairs mental functioning, it is not advised to take Benadryl before going to school, driving a car, or operating heavy machinery.

Also, Benadryl does not act for too long which means that it should be taken every 4-6 hours.

How Safe and Effective is Benadryl for Children?

Children should consume Benadryl with caution since it may cause similar side effects to them as it causes in adults. Children who take Benadryl may also experience paradoxical side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, and nervousness.

How Safe and Effective is Benadryl Consumption during Pregnancy?

Expecting mothers that suffer from allergies can take Benadryl. The reason for it is that Benadryl is a pregnancy category "B" medication. However, since no medication is completely safe during pregnancy, even Benadryl intake must be supervised by a clinician. Large doses or a Benadryl overdose can cause premature contraction in expecting mothers.

Benadryl intake should be carefully considered several days before giving a birth since a mother could give birth to an irritable baby or a baby that will suffer from seizures several days after birth.

Benadryl is also secreted in the breast milk but in small doses. Although secreted in small doses in breast milk, Benadryl can still cause side effects in children who are breastfed.